green cubs tree planting - 2016

Orchard Park Elementary Green Cubs

Orchard Park Elementary School Green Cubs students planted a Tulip Poplar tree on campus this year to help everyone remember the many benefits of trees and their role in a healthy environment. The Green Cubs have both learned and taught other students all about how trees benefit our environment by providing habitats for insects and animals, protecting the soil from erosion, cleaning our dirty air, and providing shade and beauty.

To be advocates for the environment, Orchard Park Elementary school's Green Cubs stepped up. Together they informed their school about the importance and effects of helping the environment, which included planting a native Indiana tree on their school campus. Click on the above image to enlarge it.

When the tree arrived at their school, the Green Cubs received expert assistance from a landscaper regarding the best location and method used to plant this tree, so it would be healthy and thrive.

The Green Cubs were excited to be helping the environment while doing a fun hands-on activity. Using the Tree Benefit Calculator online, their 3 inch diameter Tulip tree will intercept 264 gallons of storm water runoff this year and will reduce atmospheric carbon by 61 pounds.

Students worked on creating a "game show" in which they shares facts about their project and information about the many environmental benefits of trees. This educational video was shown throughout the school over video announcements.

After the tree was firmly placed in the ground, the kids helped place and pat down the soil. This tree will replace a tree that was lost in their schoolyard during a recent storm.

From planting a tree to teaching their peers, the OPE Green Cubs made a huge environmental impact on the Orchard Park community. Now, their peers are more informed, animals have a safe habitat, and our air is cleaner.